WINFIELD, KS — Police in Cowley County are investigating the death of a 56-year-old woman found inside a vehicle at a Kansas gas station parking lot Sunday afternoon.
A dog was also found dead in the car, and investigators believe it likely died from heat exposure. Officials say there is no evidence of foul play at this time.
First responders were called to Casey’s parking lot just after 3:30 p.m.
Winfield police, fire crews and EMS responded to the Casey’s at 219 West 9th Avenue after a report of an unresponsive person inside a vehicle.
When crews arrived, they found the woman in the driver’s seat and pronounced her dead at the scene, according to police.
Authorities are treating the case as a possible medical emergency
The vehicle and the woman were from South Dakota, police said. Her name has not been released.
The Cowley County Coroner was notified, and an autopsy has been ordered as part of the investigation.
Investigators say the dog likely died from heat inside the vehicle
Police said the dog was also found deceased inside the car, and they believe heat exposure was the likely cause.
The incident remains under investigation while officials work to determine what led to the woman’s death.
From the Twin Cities to the border and back, Travel Your Way keeps Minnesota informed.